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Editorial: ‘Walk-in’ sends a message Posted Apr 24, 2018 at 2:01 AM Some Ashland Middle School teachers and staff took an innovative approach to Friday's National School Walkout Day. At 7:30 a.m., they assembled briefly on the sidewalk outside the school, displaying signs supporting efforts to curb gun violence. At 8 a.m. they "walked in" to the building and went to work.The teachers said they were making a statement that their primary focus is on doing their jobs — educating students — and they could best do that from inside their classrooms. Meanwhile, students from Ashland High School, the middle school and some elementary students walked from their schools to the Plaza to call for action to prevent further gun violence in schools.Friday's protests were timed to mark the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting. They follow previous protests in the wake of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead.The students have every reason to be disturbed at the thought that their school could be the next Parkland, or the next Columbine. And marching to express their concern, their fear and their determination is entirely appropriate.It is also appropriate for teachers to remind everyone that their job is education, not armed combat, and that they should not have to carry a gun or to practice "active shooter drills" to prepare for the next massacre. That was the message delivered by the middle school staff on Friday.Lawmakers at the state and federal levels should be paying attention. Most Popular Rauch fulfills dream in same-sex-couples 'Oklahoma!' Apr 19 at 2:01 AM Pulitzer-winning play incubated in Ashland Apr 18 at 1:56 PM World Peace Flame to alit in Ashland Apr 23 at 12:16 PM Human trafficking survivor to speak Sunday in Ashland Apr 21 at 12:50 PM Utility fee and bed tax increases to fund police Apr 18 at 7:38 PM City gives financial boost to affordable housing project Apr 20 at 9:13 AM End of an era: Landmark Talent business closes Apr 20 at 12:11 PM Ashland High students rally against gun violence Apr 20 at 6:53 PM Thalden Pavilion dedicated at SOU Apr 20 at 8:54 PM Rogue Valley Symphony brings message of joy and hope Apr 19 at 2:01 AM Quills & Queues: Livia Genise to stage fundraising 'Death and the Maiden' Apr 20 at 9:12 AM Teachers 'walk in' to support students goals Apr 20 at 7:12 PM © Copyright 2006-2018 Rosebud Media LLC. All rights reserved. Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com ~ P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501